As I prepare to leave home I figured I should write my first blog post and make sure I know how this site works! Everything is falling into place for my trip: immunizations are done, visa granted, and I have made a very thorough packing list (though I've managed to avoid the acutal packing activity thus far). I will be leaving home on January 5, flying to a couple of interviews for grad schools (I plan on going in the fall upon my return), and spending a bit of time in Montreal before I depart from there on January 11.
So far I have a few details about my living situation in Dakar. I will be living with my school's housing coordinator and her nephew. She has four children but they are all away at school in the United States. The house is very close to the school and I should be able to walk between the two. At the school, I'll attend French classes full time and will be able to keep in touch and update my blog by using their internet. Other than that, I really don't know what to expect. But I think maybe that's best - I'm trying to keep an open mind and embrace this experience as it happens, keeping my eyes open for more opportunities to become involved in my community in Dakar.
Here's an aerial view (courtesy of Google Earth) of where the school is (right around the pointer marked F). Plenty of trees, but the sports fields are looking a little low on grass.
During my stay, I will try to update this blog regularly so all of you will know what I'm up to. If you have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to email me (jamie.l.schafer (at) gmail.com) or leave a comment here. Until next time . . .
-Jamie
